𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

Chapter Eight

VALENTINA
LARS

Temptation knows no bounds. That's what my mother always told me as a child whenever she was re-telling her love story with my Dad to me and Addie so we could sleep.

I knew my temptation for Christian had no boundaries, but I'm beginning to learn I had more anger bottled up rather than a sense of reality. I haven't seen Christian in two days, and my birthday was tonight. At midnight, I would turn the age I had always desired to be. In order for nobody could portrait me as a child who knew nothing. But don't they understand, I know everything.

I'm unbelievably mad, how could he make me choose a woman for him? When he knows I'm supposed to be that woman with him. I felt hostility towards him like I've never felt. I'm not one to get sad, I'm one to get mad.

I wasn't expecting my parents to come wish me happy birthday by midnight, Valentino and I made it crystal-clear ever since we reached the age of fifteen we didn't want any surprise-parties or them coming into our room suddenly. It just didn't feel right anymore.

Valentino wasn't even home, he snuck out for a drive. He's been doing rhat every birthday since fourteen, it wasn't a surprise I'd spend it alone. Again. Adeline tried to come in my room many times, but I refused. I just preferred to be alone these days.

I know Addie would assume she did something, but out of all honesty, I didn't feel like comforting or being comforted. I couldn't even write in my journal, everything I want just feels unwanted.

I feel ready to defy the rules and embrace the danger that awaits me. I want the chaos. Turning eighteen tonight has ignited a fire within me, urging me to break free from a life of monotony. From a girl who grew up bottling her emotions with poetry to Daredevil. I'm determined to shatter the chains of control and embark on a thrilling ride. I want to unleash my inner rebel, leaving myself captivated till the very end.

I'm pretty sure I've been over the age of eighteen ever since I found out what sex means. I think at the age of eleven? You're taking a getaway car to hell.

Oh, please. As if that's a surprise.

I glance around my room, nothing new. I've had this bedroom ever since my Mama given birth to me. Most of the things were purple and black. Valentino calls it punk-and-poetry, I call it fashion.

My eyes follow the clock on my wall, it strikes twelve.

By the time notifications ring to my ear, I notice my phone lighting up with messages. Valentino, Adeline, and school friends. I don't reply to any. They all were aware I hated birthdays. I get emotional, okay?!

I'm just a girl, guys.

I blink. Oh, no.

I couldn't help but feel a lump in my throat. I had been dreading this day forever. I never liked getting older.

My eyes burned as I thought of all the birthdays I spent. Not laughing and celebrating.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I blew the one purple candle that said the number I have turned tonight. I left in my drawer, trying to hold back sobs.

It was soon summer, and I have a whole valedictorian speech to write for my graduation, yet, I'm crying over my birthday. What's wrong with me? I felt warm, too hot with the tears. So, I decided myself to get my own birthday gift. I walk into my closet, strip my nightgown off, and put on a purple two-piece swimsuit.